Barrie Colts Secure Game 3 Road Win Over IceDogs
The Barrie Colts delivered a composed and opportunistic performance on the road, earning a 5-2 victory over the Niagara IceDogs in Game 3 of their first-round series.
Brad Gardiner led the way with a three-point night, recording a goal and two assists, while Ben Wilmott matched the effort with a goal and two helpers. The duo powered Barrie’s offense and earned first and second star honours for their efforts.
The Colts opened the scoring at 13:50 of the first period, as Brad Gardiner netted his second of the postseason off a feed from Wilmott. Niagara responded just 28 seconds later, but Barrie answered again before the period closed. Emil Hemming restored the Colts’ lead at 15:51, finishing a play set up by Cole Beaudoin and Mason Zebeski to make it 2-1 after 20 minutes.
Niagara evened the game midway through the second period, as Riley Patterson found the back of the net at 9:37. However, Barrie’s special teams proved to be the difference-maker late in the frame.
On the power play, Kashawn Aitcheson scored the game-winning goal, converting on a setup from Gardiner and Wilmott to give the Colts a 3-2 lead heading into the third period.
Barrie extended its advantage early in the final frame, as Joe Salandra capitalized on another power play opportunity just 1:16 in. With assists from Parker von Richter and Gardiner, the goal pushed the Colts’ lead to 4-2 and firmly shifted momentum in their favour.
From there, Barrie managed the game effectively, limiting Niagara’s opportunities and maintaining control down the stretch. Ben Wilmott sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the third, capping off a strong all-around performance.
The Colts will look to build on this effort on Thursday in Game 4 back in Niagara.
